Cisco Updates IT Essentials Curriculum

SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwire - June 5, 2007) - To better prepare students for entry-level
positions in information technology (IT), Cisco® (NASDAQ: CSCO) today
announced updates to its IT Essentials course, PC Hardware and Software
4.0. Designed for Cisco Networking Academy® Program students in high
schools, technical schools, colleges and universities, the newly redesigned
curriculum covers the fundamentals of computer hardware and software and
introduces advanced concepts.

The objective of the PC Hardware and Software course is to prepare students
for entry-level positions in the IT field within several different working
environments, such as corporate, help-desk and field environments.
Students learn about the components of desktop and laptop computers by
learning the proper procedures for hardware and software installations,
updates and troubleshooting.

Today we live in a global economy where skills need to be transferable
across borders to meet market demands, no matter the location of the
employee or the employer. The Cisco Networking Academy Program provides
access to these skills. This learning experience is supported by
high-quality curricula, assessments, instructor training, hands-on labs and
classroom interaction that is delivered worldwide to ensure consistency in
qualifications and skills.

"In a world that is more and more connected by the network, it is
imperative that today's students have exposure to the fundamentals of
computer science and IT," said Laura Quintana, director of product
management, Cisco Networking Academy. "The Cisco Networking Academy has
updated the PC Hardware and Software course in response to today's market
needs and Web 2.0 world. The PC Hardware and Software course provides
in-depth exposure to real-world skills that are an essential part of the IT
career path."

The updated PC Hardware and Software 4.0 course is divided into two parts.
The fundamentals part of the course prepares students for the Computing
Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) A+ Essentials exam and offers a
greater emphasis on information security skills, safety and
job-environmental issues and soft skills. The advanced part of the course
prepares students for CompTIA's three job environment certification exams:
IT Technician (220-602), Remote Support Technician (220-603), and Depot
Technician (220-604). This is a hands-on, lab-oriented course that stresses
laboratory safety and working effectively in a group environment.

There are no prerequisites for the PC Hardware and Software course. The
course consists of both instructor-facilitated online multimedia material
and lab exercises. Standalone virtual learning tools have been developed to
supplement classroom instruction and provide opportunities for interactive
"hands-on" learning.

"In our design of this course, we applied the principle that students learn
best by doing," said Dr. John Behrens, director of learning systems
development, Cisco Networking Academy. "We have introduced interactive
multimedia and tools such as the Virtual Desktop and Virtual Laptop that
enable students to virtually disassemble and reassemble desktops and
laptops. These tools emphasize meaningful student engagement by promoting
exploration and experimentation that result in rich feedback and
interactivity."

Cisco, the Cisco logo, Cisco Systems, the Cisco Systems logo, and
Networking Academy are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the
United States and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned
in this document are the property of their respective owners. The use of
the word partnership does not imply a partnership relationship between
Cisco and any other company. This document is Cisco Public Information.

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